In Darkness Buried Deep by GamgeeFest
Anonymous · 4 November 2005 · Chapter 9: Preparations
'A few held the dark opinion that Frodo was attempting to finish what he had started three years earlier, in a place no one would have thought to look for him.' Oh please do tell!!!
Author's reply
More hints of this tale to come. I might eventually write the full tale, but that will be quite a while from now. Thanks for reading!
Larner · 3 November 2005 · Chapter 9: Preparations
Ah, old Willow, you've trained your minions all too well. And am glad Frodo didn't take lasting hurt from the false cherries. Nasty old forest! And am very glad both Edon and Gil wanted to help.
Author's reply
And his minions are proving to be very good students indeed. The effects of the cherries have worn off, but Frodo's still in need of proper nutrition and water. Let's hope he's found soon! They both wanted to help, and yet only Gil managed to do so. He had an advantage over Edon of course, as Fendi and Morti pointed out. Gil has many advantages over Edon, which is part of the reason Edon is so jealous of him. Edon's coming at this from a slightly different position than Gil is, and that is also influencing Edon's actions. If he had truly wanted to join the search party, he would have found a way to do so. But they are all now where they are supposed to be and they'll all learn a thing or two before this is over. Thanks for reading!
Andrea · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 8: Grim Discoveries
So, Gil joins the search party, isn't he? At least, they know now, where to search. But the Old Forest is tricky. If the Forest does not want them to find Frodo they could search till the end of their lifes. We can only hope for good fortune!
Author's reply
Exactly. Brandybucks might be used to going into the forest, so they have a slight advantage over the average hobbit, but the forest is very tricky. It won't be able to catch them as easily as it did Frodo, but it will certainly try! They'll be wary of that, and hopefully that will be enough to keep them one step ahead of the game.
Larner · 29 October 2005 · Chapter 8: Grim Discoveries
I think many of us have created villages throughout the Shire, as I did with Westhall on the western borders of the Shire. So, Gil is about to volunteer to help search, is he, and Fuschia isn't even noticing? Now, if Gil will volunteer to do the same, a good deal of good will come of it all. Very nicely written, and excellent characterizations.
Author's reply
With so much "open" land in the Shire, there's no end to the possibilities for original villages, if you will. Gil has something up his sleeve, and it won't take Fushcia too long to notice what has happened. We're about to see just what separates these two lads, and it has nothing to do with lasses. Thank you so much for reading. :)
Bodkin · 29 October 2005 · Chapter 8: Grim Discoveries
I almost think that Saradoc should take Gil and Edon and bang their heads together and then take them with him on the search for Frodo. They could do with confronting the results of their thoughtlessness. And learning to work together. Esmeralda was fairly stern. I don't know if she made that much of an impression on two rather self-centred tweenagers, but she tried! And if they would both give up lasses for a while, that would probably help. A small search party - there aren't too many willing to risk the forest - but it's an elite. I hope they find Frodo soon.
Author's reply
LOL, they could use a good knock in the heads, so long as it doesn't make them even *more* foolish. ^_^ Those two can't see straight when they are around each other. This goes a bit beyond them needing to learn to work together however. They both have their reasons and they both feel justified in them. Esme can be a force to be reckoned with. I image, if she weren't so concerned about Frodo currently, that she would give them both even more of her mind than either one of them are prepared to withstand. She didn't make much of an impression, at least, not on the surface. It is an elite indeed. The Brandybucks leave no man - or in this case, hobbit - behind. Many of them have been in the Old Forest before, and they have enough experience and wisdom to be cautious and know when, and how, to listen to the trees.
Dreamflower · 29 October 2005 · Chapter 8: Grim Discoveries
*whew* AT LAST! Now there will be some action, finally! I really liked seeing Esmeralda raking those tweens over the coals! She most certainly did a thorough job of it, and they both deserved every word! I am more curious than ever now as to exactly *what* happened between those two--but more than that I want to see what's happened to poor little Frodo.
Author's reply
Finally, indeed. They'll move quickly now that they know what's happened to Frodo. Three days alone in the forest is a long time for one of Frodo's age. Esme could have said quite a few more things, and she just might yet if she weren't distracted with what has happened. She's not the only matriach in Brandy Hall though, so the ball won't be dropped completley. ;) The cat will soon be let out of the bag. It was a bit mean of me not to give you a Frodo update in this chapter, but we'll see more of him in the next.
Grey Wonderer · 29 October 2005 · Chapter 8: Grim Discoveries
I loved Esmeralda's stern luncheon with the lads. She really took no nonsense but it was sad that the only thing to come from it was an agruement between them after they left. I am wondering if now that Frodo's trick of getting into the forest has been discovered if the two lads will somehow make peace. This is very good and the OC's are wonderful. They are such an entertaining part of the story. I am so glad that I didn't go on to bed when I got home tonight! I just hope they find Frodo quickly. (but that the story lasts a good long time.)
Author's reply
Those two just can't be around each other without arguing, can they? It is sad that their once strong friendship has been reduced to this. They would be wise to take Esmeralda's warning to heart and stay away from each other whenever possible. It would take a lot more than just going into the Old Forest together for those two to make peace. But now that they do know what Frodo has done, perhaps some things will start coming to the surface. LOL, being a night owl *does* pay off!
Isilhen Daegol · 28 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Invitations and Cherries
Oh no! Don't stop there! Poor little Frodo's poisoned! And Edon got an invitation to first breakfast. Hmm, this does not seem to bode well for either of them. Well, I'll try to pay more attention next time and read the chapters when you post them.
Author's reply
Frodo will survive - obviously - though he may not be entirely coherent once he comes to. The poison will wear off, his other problems, however, won't be going away so easily. Edon's in for it now. Frodo's disappearance has set off a chain of events that will lead to some guilt and angst for Edon. Next chapter just got posted. :) Thanks so much for reading!
Isilhen Daegol · 28 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Rumors
Oh, poor Frodo. I like your little "flashbacks in dreams" things. It's always interesting to see parts of Frodo's family, before his parents died. Wonderful story. You did a good job of softening Gil and Fuscia's characters in this chapter, especially the whole bit about Fuschia's pillow hair. ;)
Author's reply
When we're alone, we remember all sorts of things. Frodo will be doing a lot of dreaming while in the forest. I also enjoy seeing Frodo with his parents. They were so loving, and so grateful for having him. We can all relate to pillow hair, can't we? Any lass who can find a lad who thinks it's endearing can consider herself lucky.
Isilhen Daegol · 28 October 2005 · Chapter 5: The Old Forest
Wow, it's been a while since I checked this. Well, here's a long overdue review. Brilliantly written as always. I love how you put in normal parts of their life that really doesn't have anything to do with the plot, like Esme feeling guilty about wanting some time away from Merry. You also did very well with the description of the Forest. Good job! Now, off to read the next two chapters I neglected...
Author's reply
It's a perfectly natural feeling for mothers to want time and space away from their children, but Esme feels that since she loves Merry and he's her first born child, she should want to be with him all the time. She'll get over that as the years go by, lol. I reread the Old Forest chapter before writing this, to make sure I remembered everything correctly. Glad it paid off. :)
Bodkin · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Invitations and Cherries
They're not even really looking - he's done it before and turned up unharmed and it's all become rather tiresome. And poor Frodo is desperate enough to try nice shiny berries - that is not a good thing. I'm hoping that Tom Bombadil might come stepping out of legend to rescue the lad, but he probably won't. I'm intrigued by Edon - and hope to learn more of his situation and just why he is on the defensive.
Author's reply
They're not looking - just waiting for Frodo to show up in the next day or two. Esme is hoping to have the story straight before Frodo does come back so she will be able to confront him about it and hopefully get some answers from him directly. Of course, Frodo won't be returning. Frodo's gotten himself into quite the pickle. Now he's not only lost, but he's helpless too. The forest may or may not take advantage of that, depending on how long it wants to continue to play with him. More on Edon is coming up. We'll be getting a good dose of his backstory in a later chapter, which should clear some things up, if not everything. It should at least explain some of his actions.
Grey Wonderer · 22 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Invitations and Cherries
Poor Frodo! I do hope that he didn't swallow too much of the juice from the berries. I also hope that someone starts putting things together. Berylla seems to have come the closest so far. Maybe Esmeralda's meeting with Edon will give her some answers or at least some of the right questions. This is so good and so exciting! I am enjoying it very much!
Author's reply
Frodo spit the juices out fairly quickly. He swallowed some, but not enough to do permanent damage. He will be more than a bit miserable for a while though. Edon got pretty close also, and the breakfast will reveal some interesting tidbits. The wheels will start turning next chapter. :)
The Hobbit Waffle · 22 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Invitations and Cherries
Ahh! No! Oh dear. What has Frodo gotten himself into? I find the attitude towards him at Brandy Hall quite appalling. The poor boy needs someone who understands him, doesn't he? Kids don't always spring back from a loss like that very easily or quickly, do they? Especially the emotional ones. Reminds me of experiences with my Grandmother who is very old fashioned in her beliefs about children. He must have been a hard kid to try and raise! Another lovely chapter, you are extremely good at making your OC's believable and human. Or should I say Hobbit? :)
Author's reply
He's gotten himself into quite a fine mess, hasn't he? He won't underestimate the forest again. Things aren't always as they sound. The hobbits are quite concerned about Frodo in their own way, they just don't understand why he is so reckless at times. Frodo is quite good at hiding his emotions most times and while he may not be as carefree as the other children his age, he still acts "normal" enough that everyone forgets he is still in greiving. So when he does things like this - disappearing for no reason, as far as they can tell - they are at a loss as to explain why. Still, if they tried to understand, they would perhaps be a bit more sympathetic.
Larner · 22 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Invitations and Cherries
Old Man Willow and his minions are vindictive sorts indeed, are they not? And tricking him into thinking he was eating cherries when in actuality they were poison? Nightshare, perhaps? (We have that thickly here, in fact.) And poor Edon, getting blamed; and he is the only one who is as yet considering where Frodo DID go after all! Hope he suggests it and Sara goes looking!
Author's reply
The Old Forest doesn't play nice, does it? They are enjoying this cat-and-mouse game they have going and Frodo is slowly losing his reserves. Things have gotten dark indeed. Nightshade is a good theory and I wouldn't be surprised if it grew in the Old Forest. Edon has a lot to worry about and for good reason. We still have a lot to learn about him.
Andrea · 22 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Invitations and Cherries
Oh my! For a moment I thought, it might really be a cherry tree. I desperately hope Frodo swallowed only a small amount of poison. He's absolutely helpless now in that wicked Old Forest! At least, Edon is (or was) on the right track. Maybe he remembers his suspicion in his conversation with Esme. Will Gil also be there? That would be intriguing!
Author's reply
The forest has managed to capture Frodo rather well. He'll prove to be a bit tougher than they expected, but even Frodo has his limits. Frodo did have the presence of mind to spit the poison back out, but he still lacks food and water. The combonation isn't a good one. Edon is on the right track, if he'll stop listening to his friends! He'll be a bit distracted during breakfast with Esme to remember his suspicions, but there is hope on the horizon. :)
Lotrgirl1415 · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Invitations and Cherries
hey sweets loved the update. when reading it I almost fainted....lol after i had read the last chps i thought that frodo would fall from a tree somehow and i was right! *teehee* love your story soo much keep up the great work! btw...You really give these original characters of your personality! i can imagine them in my head and i love when a author can do that to me! xoxoxo --Katie ps:pardon my grammar & punctuation in my reviews.*teehee*
Author's reply
Hello Katie! Thanks for reading and dropping a line. Yes, it was inevitable that Frodo would get himself up a tree, but better *up* in than *in* it. :D I'm glad you're enjoying the OCs. They were rather persistent about having their own story told and I'm pleased everyone is as curious about them as they are worried about Frodo.
Dreamflower · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Invitations and Cherries
Oh dear! Poor Frodo! What kind of poison is it? Is it a real berry or something that grows only in the Old Forest? I have a feeling Esme is not going to be thrilled with Edon. Or Gil. Especially when she finds out he never did apologize. And all these obtuse hobbits! *ready to climb inside story and bop people on heads*duh*get a clue!*
Author's reply
The berries can be fatal, if you are unfortunate enough to eat too many of them. Thankfully, Frodo only swallowed a mouth full of the juices. He'll be out of commission for a while, but the effects will wear off before too long. Esme already knows Gil didn't apologize, as Gil returned to the apartment after going to the Gate. Of course, she doesn't know that Gil saw Frodo while he was there. She won't be happy with either lad. I'm sure the hobbits mean well, they just don't understand that a child can grieve so long, especially since everyone else moved forward a long time ago. They don't know what to make of his recklessness and can only relate it back to things he had done prior. It is amazing how clueless people can be at times.
Grey Wonderer · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Rumors
oh, I do like the flashbacks. I like the look at Frodo's childhood before his parent's deaths. Seems lots of folks are starting to worry and a few are even feeling a bit guilty but no one is looking in the right place just yet. I wonder what will finally tip them off. It seems as if Frodo is really in a mess now! More soon I hope!
Author's reply
Flashbacks are always fun to write and there will be a couple of more before this tale is over. :) There are many people worrying, though they're not terribly alarmed. They are so close to putting all the pieces together, but this is a case of too much pride clouding better judgment. They're too confident in themselves that no one could have gotten through the Gate, and they're too sure of the fact that Frodo would never attempt to enter the forest. As for Frodo being in a mess, to quote the stepmother from "Ever After": No matter how bad things are, they can always get worse. lol. *grins*
Andrea · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Rumors
Well, at first I thought Gil was the tough guy, but now I'm not so sure anymore! In fact, I like him more then Edon now. Poor Frodo, out there alone with haunting memories. But after all, *he* was the one to console his mother and *he* waited for his father to return. He is strong (even when he's not aware of it) and he will find a way out of that forest! I'm really curious, what will happen next, and I'm quite sure, that Gil has something to do with it :)
Author's reply
We didn't meet Gil in the best of circumstances, and nothing is entirely what it seems. That would also includes Edon, who is a nice enough guy but he's every bit as uncertain of himself as Frodo is. They deal with their uncertainties in different ways however. It's unfortunate that Frodo cannot see his own strength. If he only realized how strong he was, he might be able to relax and enjoy life a bit more. All he can see is his inabilities and flaws and that casts so much doubt over everything he does. This is only one of the things that is holding Frodo back, though, and he has a long way to go before he will be able to be whole again.
Bodkin · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Rumors
Peter and the Wolf. Poor Frodo. His family would be searching frantically - had he not disappeared before. My curiosity about Gil and Edon is growing! She didn’t hold much of an opinion of Edon. None of the tweens did anymore. . . Why not? It seems there's more than young Frodo as needs sorting out!
Author's reply
Can you believe it took me forever to figure out the Peter and the Wolf connection, lol! But yes, Frodo has disappeared one too many times for anyone to really worry *too* much about him. They know he'll come back on his own eventually. They might start panicking though once they reach the fourth night and he still hasn't returned. Everyone is in need of some enlightenment here, it seems! Edon and Gil were a bit hesitant to tell me exactly what their story was and so wouldn't let me drop the anvils-for-hints that I wanted to insert earlier in the story. It will be awhile before we find out just what split these two friends apart, and, for the most part, made Edon an outcast at Brandy Hall.
Ami · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Rumors
I am really liking this story. I love your imagination and your lush descriptions. I am looking very much forward to how everything works out in the end.
Author's reply
Hello Ami! Thanks for dropping a note and I'm glad you're enjoying the story. :) I was a bit afraid the OCs might send some readers packing, but that doesn't seem to be the case. There will be more to come shortly.
Lotrgirl1415 · 16 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Rumors
omg love this update asap!*hugs* lots of love --Katie
Author's reply
Thanks for reading! Glad you're enjoying this.
Larner · 16 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Rumors
Nasty, manipulative things, aren't they? Hope he finds a way to get around them soon so at least he can get a drink.
Author's reply
Yes they are, and now that they have him, they aren't about to let him go so easily. Frodo's young enough to be easily confused and discouraged by the trees and they are having great fun playing with him at the moment. If they do let him go to the River Withywindle, it will only be to lead him to Old Man Willow, and we all know what he's capable of.
Dreamflower · 16 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Rumors
Oh dear! Are they ever going to figure out where he is? You'd think *someone* would put two and two together--I was ready to cheer when it looked as though Merimac had figured it out, and then he gave up too soon. Poor Drogo and Primula, such a sad thing to quarrel over. And poor little Frodo having to hear it. And I am getting more and more curious about Edon and Gil and their backstory.
Author's reply
It's quite frustrating that they haven't figured it out yet, isn't it? *grins* But no one has any reason to suspect Frodo would attempt to get into the forest. As far as they're concerned, he's hiding in one of his secret places and will turn up in a day or two. Let's hope they figure it out before then! That is a sad thing to argue about, but it's such a traumatic event for a couple to have to go through. Drogo's feeling inadequate because he couldn't protect Primula from what happened. This smial he is building for them is his way of making up for that. Primula also is feeling inadequate, for not being able to carry to full term and not being able to have the family she always dreamt of. If they'd had more time, they would have been able to work through it and find a balance again, but it was not to be so. Primula's melancholy did greatly affect Frodo. It gave him a model, subconsciously, for him to follow when he experienced his own loss. Much of his own behavior is a mirror of his mother's. Edon and Gil have a lot of tangles of their own to work through here. Gil has a lot to make up for and more than a little bitterness because of it, and Edon has many expectations to live up to, as well as many doubts to live down.
Grey Wonderer · 15 October 2005 · Chapter 5: The Old Forest
Poor Frodo! He is in way too far now with no idea how to get out. I wonder what will happen to him now and how long it will take Saradoc to realize exactly where to look for Frodo? I wonder if Anyone at all saw him go in. The older lads may be impressed by this once they know what he's done but I am wondering how long it will take before anyone puts this puzzle together? Your discriptions are very good in this. I could see the trees shifting as I read. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Yep, Frodo's got himself in quite a bind. He didn't think this one out at all and he's paying the price for it. But he might get something out of it also. At this point, it looks like no one saw him go in. Frodo has a knack of going unnoticed when he wants to. Unfortunately for him, no one will even think to imagine that Frodo would have gone into the forest. Everyone at Brandy Hall will be scratching their heads over this for a while. (This is btw, in case you were wondering, the part that I had to go back and restructure after my one month hiatus from this story. Originally, Hob saw the weskit lying on the ground right away and the search started that same night. For various reasons, that plot development just wasn't working.) I went back to the Old Forest chapter in FOTR and reread it a couple of times to get the feel for the forest. I didn't want to misrepresent it or the rumors/myths that surrounded it, and I wanted Tolkien's image of the forest as fresh in my mind as I could get it before I wrote this chapter. It seems to have paid off! More coming soon. ;)